July 2006 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Edward "StruckBy" Huerta ! (NLOC #2003)

madramper · 07-01-2006, 08:08 AM

...July 2006 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Edward “StruckBy” Huerta! (NLOC #2003)

Innovation makes Edward and his 95 Lightning stand out. "Electric" Edward has come up with some great electronics tips, and his truck is the fastest naturally aspirated Gen 1 actively involved in the NLOC! Let’s get to know more about Edward and his stroked naturally aspirated beast!

What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

I had modified a truck before, but always thought it would be cool to modify an F-150. I bought a 94 F-150 regular cab because I could not afford a Lightning. Then, in February 1996, I found the last Lightning in Central Florida about 60 miles away. I looked at it one week and said, "well, if its there when I come back on my next day off, I'll buy it". I showed up and it was there, so I bought it.

What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?

Well, I think I have changed; or at least had everything off and modified on it, at some point. Some factory parts I improved and some were replaced. The biggest items are Dave Pickrel 1 3/4" headers, x-pipe, dual exhaust that exit behind each tire, Precision Industries converter, Centerline wheels, aluminum heads, roller cam, Lightning Force Performance traction bars, BF Goodrich tires, and drag radials.

Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?

Along with the help of a few local friends, we did a complete frame down restoration (about 95%) to the truck. We stripped it down to the point where it had nothing but the cab, front fenders and core support, rear axles, and front suspension with steering wheel. The interior, all wiring, all under hood items, brake and fuel lines, door panels and door wiring were completely removed. The truck was re-painted the same color and all items that were taken off were sand blasted and either painted, polished, or powder coated.

Tell us about yourself , your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.

My hobby is modding my Lightning. I get the most pride and satisfaction from fabricating something, or discovering some product, and adapting it to the Gen1 Lightning and sharing it with the group. I work about 35 hours a week and go to the local community college where I am currently taking as many math, science, and computer classes as possible. My other hobby is running. I have participated in about a dozen 5k(3.1 miles) runs where my best time to date is 29 minutes. I took up the sport after a visit with my doctor. I was told I needed to adjust a few things starting with my weight by 40 lbs and my waistline by 3 pant sizes. I am happy to report that I did it. Basically on my own, under the supervision of the doctor, I did lose the 40 lbs and I did drop the 3 pant sizes. Originally she told me to just get a little exercise.

How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net and when did you become an NLOC member?

I have been on this website since 2000 and have made a great number of friends near and far.

What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?

The new format seems pretty good. I would maybe add about 3 or 4 biographies to the front page that are in a rotation to share different members trucks for visitors to view.

What are your plans for future changes to your truck?

My current plans are to test the MSD 3-step I recently installed as a sort of "trans-brake" if you will, change the stall speed of the torque converter, and master the Baumannator transmission controller, which was also installed recently. My big goal is to maximize the combo I have before we try to add any type of power adder. Best performance to date on my combo is:

12.4@108mph with a 1.65 60' time, all on the engine.

This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.

This is where I need to put out the thanks (is there even enough room?) Starting with my local friends, my good buddy and new local Lightning enthusiast Willy (Cultfreak69) has been instrumental in the recent performance improvements on the truck. When I first met him, my truck was basically stagnant in its state. Willy took an interest and helped me research and install all the recent projects. From the Lightning Force Performance bars, to the new upper and lower intake, to keeping me from taking too much apart at once!! Then there is Adam and his girlfriend Brooke. They are both enthusiasts of high performance. Adam has a ton of experience and actually sparked the new intake project. Brooke keeps our spirits up and keeps us all in check. Al (WIKD) is another new member who is always willing to lend a hand and is ready for a gathering or track outing any time. Bill (billheis) brings a ton of years of experience to the table and helped Willy and I finally get Willy’s extensive front end re-build finished. Over the net I have made a ton of friends and there are some who you can just call and they will help you anytime. Jamie (Jamie v), Jerry (GJLS), Matt (fordfeak95), Dave (Icepick) and Dave (DAVE94LIGHTNING), Shawn (RhinoRacing) are all among this group. Jerry helped me select my new intake. Jamie V saved me a ton of money, helped me with my Lightning Force Performance selection, and helped me over the phone with some "track-time" test and tune. Dave Pickrel gave me advice on an exhaust selection and we shared some cool ideas when our trucks were similar. Every project Matt does is perfect and he keeps raising the bar. That keeps me striving to make my truck better, but he always one ups me. Dave (DAVE94LIGHTNING) is always coming up with new ideas for track performance and was nice enough to share his stealth mod with me. Last but not least is Shawn. Let’s face it, I would not even have a fuel system or a set of head gaskets without him. His projects are always very clean and professional. For those people who prefer to remain behind the scenes (you all know who you are), without you a lot of my projects would have flopped! Thanks to all of you as well.

RhinoRacing · 07-01-2006, 08:48 AM

Congrats Ed!

Truck is awsome as always!

383svt · 07-01-2006, 09:04 AM

Congrats Ed. Nice looking truck! and congrats on the fastest N/a truck!

EZ SPEED · 07-01-2006, 09:20 AM

Congrats Ed !!!!!!!!! Beautiful Truck !!

Frank5L · 07-01-2006, 09:26 AM

Congrats Ed! Truck looks great! Very strong n/a combo!

Turbosvt93 · 07-01-2006, 10:24 AM

Way to go ED. You deserve it. That truck is top notch. Me and Brooke are always here to help.

cultfreak69 · 07-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Congrats Ed! You rule buddy.
Ed's truck needs to be seen. it is done so right, everything Ed does is 100% correct. He has tought me soo much about Lightnings and Hi perfromance in general. We have spent some long hours working on his truck and he always feels bad for me staying over untuil 2am since I live half hour away, but he doesnt realise I love it. everytime at his house I learn someting new or how to do something the right way, not to mention all the hare brained ideas I come up with for my truck that he quickly keeps me in check.
I hope one day my truck can be half as nice as his!
now...whats the next project? my gloves are standing by!

falstaff · 07-01-2006, 11:18 AM

Congrats Ed.

turbocutie13 · 07-01-2006, 01:23 PM

Congratulations Ed!!! I am so proud of you babe. I must say you are one of the most electronically and mechanically inclined people I have ever met. I can only imagine your Lightning will definitely be truck of the month again as you continue to break the barriers the true way to treat a semi-rare performance truck. I wish you the best of luck and will see you soon. Adam has a garage now, so as soon as we empty it, I can promise he won't leave you alone.

It has been a pleasure to hang out with you and the track and Willy's house. Congrats doll!!!! We are so proud of you!!!!!

I am jealous though. ;-)

SVT1116 · 07-01-2006, 04:43 PM

congrats ed, nice clean truck, wanna restore mine

Soul Rebel · 07-01-2006, 08:58 PM

Congrats Ed! Your truck is sick, and you're one of the nicest guys on this board. -Josh

Vern · 07-01-2006, 10:36 PM

Big Congrats, Ed!
Very deserving!

Super Glide · 07-02-2006, 09:54 AM

Sweet Truck ED!!
You have a real winner there.
You've been on here since '00 and we need to see a mug shot of you!
That should be mandatory to be in the truck of the month!

StruckBy · 07-02-2006, 10:37 AM

hey thanks to all for the nice compliments, man so many people I have met and that have helped me on my truck. I have a friend who keeps trying to get me to sell my truck and race another kind of car. but you know the main reason I don't do it is b/c of the good group of people here.

sstock...........I'll see you at L-fest

lightningDan · 07-02-2006, 11:38 AM

way to go ed, good read!

07-01-2006, 08:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
madramper Supporting Vendor Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alloway, NJ Posts: 11,493 NLOC member #: 937 View this user's gallery iTrader: 43 / 100%	July 2006 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Edward "StruckBy" Huerta ! (NLOC #2003) ...July 2006 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Edward “StruckBy” Huerta! (NLOC #2003) Innovation makes Edward and his 95 Lightning stand out. "Electric" Edward has come up with some great electronics tips, and his truck is the fastest naturally aspirated Gen 1 actively involved in the NLOC! Let’s get to know more about Edward and his stroked naturally aspirated beast! What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning? I had modified a truck before, but always thought it would be cool to modify an F-150. I bought a 94 F-150 regular cab because I could not afford a Lightning. Then, in February 1996, I found the last Lightning in Central Florida about 60 miles away. I looked at it one week and said, "well, if its there when I come back on my next day off, I'll buy it". I showed up and it was there, so I bought it. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go? Well, I think I have changed; or at least had everything off and modified on it, at some point. Some factory parts I improved and some were replaced. The biggest items are Dave Pickrel 1 3/4" headers, x-pipe, dual exhaust that exit behind each tire, Precision Industries converter, Centerline wheels, aluminum heads, roller cam, Lightning Force Performance traction bars, BF Goodrich tires, and drag radials. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning? Along with the help of a few local friends, we did a complete frame down restoration (about 95%) to the truck. We stripped it down to the point where it had nothing but the cab, front fenders and core support, rear axles, and front suspension with steering wheel. The interior, all wiring, all under hood items, brake and fuel lines, door panels and door wiring were completely removed. The truck was re-painted the same color and all items that were taken off were sand blasted and either painted, polished, or powder coated. Tell us about yourself , your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc. My hobby is modding my Lightning. I get the most pride and satisfaction from fabricating something, or discovering some product, and adapting it to the Gen1 Lightning and sharing it with the group. I work about 35 hours a week and go to the local community college where I am currently taking as many math, science, and computer classes as possible. My other hobby is running. I have participated in about a dozen 5k(3.1 miles) runs where my best time to date is 29 minutes. I took up the sport after a visit with my doctor. I was told I needed to adjust a few things starting with my weight by 40 lbs and my waistline by 3 pant sizes. I am happy to report that I did it. Basically on my own, under the supervision of the doctor, I did lose the 40 lbs and I did drop the 3 pant sizes. Originally she told me to just get a little exercise. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net and when did you become an NLOC member? I have been on this website since 2000 and have made a great number of friends near and far. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate? The new format seems pretty good. I would maybe add about 3 or 4 biographies to the front page that are in a rotation to share different members trucks for visitors to view. What are your plans for future changes to your truck? My current plans are to test the MSD 3-step I recently installed as a sort of "trans-brake" if you will, change the stall speed of the torque converter, and master the Baumannator transmission controller, which was also installed recently. My big goal is to maximize the combo I have before we try to add any type of power adder. Best performance to date on my combo is: 12.4@108mph with a 1.65 60' time, all on the engine. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments. This is where I need to put out the thanks (is there even enough room?) Starting with my local friends, my good buddy and new local Lightning enthusiast Willy (Cultfreak69) has been instrumental in the recent performance improvements on the truck. When I first met him, my truck was basically stagnant in its state. Willy took an interest and helped me research and install all the recent projects. From the Lightning Force Performance bars, to the new upper and lower intake, to keeping me from taking too much apart at once!! Then there is Adam and his girlfriend Brooke. They are both enthusiasts of high performance. Adam has a ton of experience and actually sparked the new intake project. Brooke keeps our spirits up and keeps us all in check. Al (WIKD) is another new member who is always willing to lend a hand and is ready for a gathering or track outing any time. Bill (billheis) brings a ton of years of experience to the table and helped Willy and I finally get Willy’s extensive front end re-build finished. Over the net I have made a ton of friends and there are some who you can just call and they will help you anytime. Jamie (Jamie v), Jerry (GJLS), Matt (fordfeak95), Dave (Icepick) and Dave (DAVE94LIGHTNING), Shawn (RhinoRacing) are all among this group. Jerry helped me select my new intake. Jamie V saved me a ton of money, helped me with my Lightning Force Performance selection, and helped me over the phone with some "track-time" test and tune. Dave Pickrel gave me advice on an exhaust selection and we shared some cool ideas when our trucks were similar. Every project Matt does is perfect and he keeps raising the bar. That keeps me striving to make my truck better, but he always one ups me. Dave (DAVE94LIGHTNING) is always coming up with new ideas for track performance and was nice enough to share his stealth mod with me. Last but not least is Shawn. Let’s face it, I would not even have a fuel system or a set of head gaskets without him. His projects are always very clean and professional. For those people who prefer to remain behind the scenes (you all know who you are), without you a lot of my projects would have flopped! Thanks to all of you as well.

07-01-2006, 01:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
turbocutie13 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: With Adam. Posts: 147 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Eddy Boy!!!!! Congratulations Ed!!! I am so proud of you babe. I must say you are one of the most electronically and mechanically inclined people I have ever met. I can only imagine your Lightning will definitely be truck of the month again as you continue to break the barriers the true way to treat a semi-rare performance truck. I wish you the best of luck and will see you soon. Adam has a garage now, so as soon as we empty it, I can promise he won't leave you alone. It has been a pleasure to hang out with you and the track and Willy's house. Congrats doll!!!! We are so proud of you!!!!! I am jealous though. ;-)

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07-01-2006, 08:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
RhinoRacing Team Vortech Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 2,588 NLOC member #: 387 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ed! Truck is awsome as always!

07-01-2006, 09:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
383svt BDS Blown 438ci Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CT Posts: 3,418 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ed. Nice looking truck! and congrats on the fastest N/a truck!

07-01-2006, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
EZ SPEED Boost Kills !!!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oxford, Alabama Posts: 2,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 24 / 100%	Congrats Ed !!!!!!!!! Beautiful Truck !!

07-01-2006, 09:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Frank5L 1.37 60' on Drag Radials Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central AR Posts: 10,909 View this user's gallery iTrader: 22 / 100%	Congrats Ed! Truck looks great! Very strong n/a combo!

07-01-2006, 10:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
Turbosvt93 Adam is Turbo Illiterate Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,660 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	Way to go ED. You deserve it. That truck is top notch. Me and Brooke are always here to help.

07-01-2006, 10:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
cultfreak69 wrecking Ed's garage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 5,780 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ed! You rule buddy. Ed's truck needs to be seen. it is done so right, everything Ed does is 100% correct. He has tought me soo much about Lightnings and Hi perfromance in general. We have spent some long hours working on his truck and he always feels bad for me staying over untuil 2am since I live half hour away, but he doesnt realise I love it. everytime at his house I learn someting new or how to do something the right way, not to mention all the hare brained ideas I come up with for my truck that he quickly keeps me in check. I hope one day my truck can be half as nice as his! now...whats the next project? my gloves are standing by!

07-01-2006, 11:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
falstaff I am a jerk and banned! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gone! Posts: 4,294,967,288 View this user's gallery iTrader: 12 / 100%	Congrats Ed.

07-01-2006, 04:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
SVT1116 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: FREEHOLD NJ USA Posts: 5,501 View this user's gallery iTrader: 1 / 100%	congrats ed, nice clean truck, wanna restore mine

07-01-2006, 08:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
Soul Rebel E ne'e paha 'oe! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ma uka Posts: 1,072 View this user's gallery iTrader: 1 / 100%	Congrats Ed! Your truck is sick, and you're one of the nicest guys on this board. -Josh

07-01-2006, 10:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Vern Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 2,954 NLOC member #: 0072 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	Big Congrats, Ed! Very deserving!

07-02-2006, 09:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
Super Glide Super Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 10,400 NLOC member #: 343 View this user's gallery iTrader: 14 / 100%	Sweet Truck ED!! You have a real winner there. You've been on here since '00 and we need to see a mug shot of you! That should be mandatory to be in the truck of the month!

07-02-2006, 10:37 AM	#14 (permalink)
StruckBy Electric Edward Join Date: May 2000 Location: Orlando,FL. Posts: 6,435 View this user's gallery iTrader: 36 / 100%	hey thanks to all for the nice compliments, man so many people I have met and that have helped me on my truck. I have a friend who keeps trying to get me to sell my truck and race another kind of car. but you know the main reason I don't do it is b/c of the good group of people here. sstock...........I'll see you at L-fest

07-02-2006, 11:38 AM	#15 (permalink)
lightningDan Namasté Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fairhaven, Ma Posts: 4,414 NLOC member #: 1935 View this user's gallery iTrader: 8 / 100%	way to go ed, good read!